Music students have the option of two tracks: performance and industry. The industry track will help students as they prepare for work in the music business, ranging from songwriting to music management. The performance track (successful audition required) will allow the option of two concentrations: classical and commercial. All students will study standard technique through classical repertoire for the first two years. The final two years, students can choose to remain in a classical concentration, or transition to a commercial concentration, where they apply their technical study to various genres ranging from country to R&B to gospel. Consequently, students will acquire an omnicultural musical language that will equip them to move between various cultural marketplaces, and serve a rapidly expanding entertainment sector in Georgia.
The Performance Track in the BACM is an auditioned program.
Core Curriculum
See list of requirements
Area F: Lower Division Major Requirements (Credit: 18 hours)
Required Courses (Credit: 15 hours)
Students may study different instruments at the 1000-level, but all applied lessons at the 2000-level or higher should be on the same instrument.
Ensembles (Credit: 3 hours)
Take three of any of the following ensemble classes.
Note: Each of these courses has a co-requisite of the appropriate 1000/2000-level applied lesson.
To remain in good standing with the program, students must make a C or better in all Area F courses. A student may not take a course a third time without permission from the Music Faculty and the Dean.
Total Credit Hours: 18
Major Area Courses - Common Curriculum (Credit: 21 hours)
These courses are required of all music majors regardless of chosen track of study.
Upper Level Core Classes (Credit: 12 hours)
| MUSC 1500 | Foundations in Music Technology | 3 credits |
| MUSC 3999 | Special Topics in Music | 3 credits |
| MUSC 4200 | Fundamentals of Music Entrepreneurship | 3 credits |
| MUSC 4999 | Senior Capstone | 3 credits |
Upper Level Ensembles (Credit: 3 hours)
Students should take three ensemble classes at the 3000-level based on area of interest. The same class may be repeated for credit.
Music Business Course (Credit: 3 hours)
Students should select one of the following courses.
| MUSC 4250 | Survey of the Entertainment Industry | 3 credits |
| MUSC 4260 | Arts Nonprofit Management | 3 credits |
Music History Course (Credit: 3 hours)
Students should select one of the following courses.
Total Credit Hours: 21
Performance Track (Credit: 39 hours)
The concentrations for the performance track for the B.A. in Contemporary Musicianship are delivered in the Upper Level Applied and Upper Level Ensemble courses. There are two concentrations: Classical and Commercial. Students declare their concentration at the Junior Barrier jury which concludes their second year of study. Private, applied lessons in the junior and senior year will be tailored to each student's selected concentration. Students will consult with their advisor to select upper level ensembles which support development of the concentration.
Upper Level Applied: Emphasis (Credit: 10 hours)
A Junior Barrier must be passed for admission to Upper Level Applied.
Choose from one of two concentrations: Classical or Commercial.
Students must study the same instrument at the 2000, 3000, and 4000 levels.
Upper Level Emphasis Ensemble (Credit: 2 hours)
Choose 2 hours from the following:
Theory (Credit: 3 hours)
Students should take these classes during their sophomore year to complete foundational work for success with upper level classes.
| MUSC 2203 | Intermediate Music Theory II | 2 credits |
| MUSC 2204 | Sight Singing / Ear Training IV | 1 credit |
Composition Courses (Credit: 3 hours)
Students should choose one of these courses in composition that aligns with their area of expertise.
Music History (Credit: 3 hours)
Students should choose one of the following courses so long as it is different from the one selected in the upper level core.
Open Electives (Credit: 18 hours)
Students should consult with an advisor in selecting open electives in order to help them align with career goals. Students are encouraged to consider a professional minor.
Students must complete at least 39 semester hours of upper level classes in their degree program.
Total Credit Hours: 39
Industry Track (Credit: 39 hours)
Students pursuing the Industry Track are preparing for careers in the music business that includes working for publishers, recording studios, etc.
Required Minor or Certificate (Credit: 15-18 hours)
Students choose a minor in Business, Information Technology, or the Georgia Film Academy certificate. (A student may consult with an advisor to request an alternative minor if it supports career objectives.)
Notes: Students must complete at least 39 semester hours of upper level classes.
Total Credit Hours: 39
Music Business Course (Credit: 3 hours)
Students should select one of the following courses.
| MUSC 4250 | Survey of the Entertainment Industry | 3 credits |
| MUSC 4260 | Arts Nonprofit Management | 3 credits |
This course should be different from the one taken in the upper level core.
Open Electives (Credit: 18-21 hours)
Though the student may select any courses for this requirement, there is a 39 semester hour requirement of upper level classes for graduation. Student should discuss career goals with their advisor to help with this selection. In some cases, a second minor is advantageous.